Consumer perceptions and demand for organic food in Australia: Focus group discussions

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Shung Chang ◽  
Lydia Zepeda
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Positive Outlook ◽  
Food Sales

AbstractIn Australia, the retail value of organic food production was estimated at A$250 million, with farm-gate value at around A$90 million and exports at around A$40 million, in 2002. The current share of organic sales in total food sales in Australia is about 1%. The growth rate in organic production was forecast to continue at 10–30% per annum. Despite the positive outlook, there are consumer concerns about product recognition and product integrity. To understand how demand for organic products is changing, it is important to investigate consumer attitudes and knowledge about these issues. The objective of this study was to identify issues that may hinder or promote demand. Given the qualitative nature of these issues, we used a focus group study to probe consumers. While focus group results are a qualitative approach and not intended to be generalizable, the results suggest directions for future research. The participants raised concerns about the use of chemicals, the treatment of farm animals and the environmental impact of food production. Organic food consumers were found to be more knowledgeable about organic foods, as well as being more tolerant of higher prices and inaccessibility. The results also suggest that increasing consumers' awareness of organic farming and certification, as well as the availability of organic foods, may be the most effective way of moving organic foods into mainstream.

scholarly journals Agroecologia: Perspectivas e Desafios para a Agricultura Familiar

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5-esp.) ◽  
pp. 496-503
Author(s):  
Larisse Medeiros Gonçalves ◽  
Caroline Viganó ◽  
Chaiane Renata Grigolo ◽  
Pedro Henrique da Silva Monteiro ◽  
Thiago de Oliveira Vargas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Sustainable Rural Development ◽  
Vast Number ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
The Government

Embora a produção sustentável e a agroecologia tenham relevância e vasta quantidade de artigos, há insuficiência de materiais sistemáticos que auxiliem no emprego operativo das características sustentáveis na produção. Esse trabalho traz uma base conceitual que direciona para a sistematização pragmática, no que diz respeito à produção orgânica, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica. A produção de alimentos em sistemas agroecológicos tem por princípios a adoção de práticas de uso saudável e consciente dos recursos naturais. A produção de orgânicos no Brasil vem apresentando crescimento significativo. Esse avanço está sendo possível devido ao modelo diversificado dos mecanismos de controle de qualidade para produtos de origem ecológica, uma vez que há maior acesso para o registro dos mesmos. Porém, o setor enfrenta várias dificuldades, como problemas de logística, processos burocráticos na certificação e déficit de insumos, além de carência de informações técnicas. Para que tais barreiras sejam superadas, investimentos em pesquisas científicas para aprimorar as técnicas de produção e estratégias de marketing para promoção dos alimentos orgânicos são recursos indispensáveis para o avanço do sistema. Além disso, o governo deve desenvolver políticas para ampliação da produção, oferta e consumo de produtos orgânicos para fortalecer e incentivar tal modelo produtivo.   Palavras-chaves: Alimentos Orgânicos. Certificação. Sistemas Agroecológicos, Desenvolvimento Rural Sustentável.  Abstract Although sustainable production and agroecology have relevance and a vast number of articles, there is a lack of systematic materials that assist in the operational use of sustainable characteristics in production. This work provides a conceptual basis that leads to pragmatic systematization, regarding organic production, through a bibliographic review. The food production in agroecological systems is based on the adoption of healthy and conscious use of natural resources practices. Organic production in Brazil has been showing significant growth. This progress is being made possible due to the diversified model of quality control mechanisms for ecological origin products, since there is greater access to their registration. However, the sector faces several difficulties, such as logistical problems, bureaucratic processes in certification and deficit of inputs, in addition to a lack of technical information. For these barriers to be overcome, investments in scientific research to improve production techniques and marketing strategies for promoting organic food are indispensable resources for the system advancement. In addition, the government must develop policies to expand the production, supply and consumption of organic products to strengthen and encourage such a productive model.    Keywords: Organic Food. Certification. Agroecological Systems. Sustainable Rural Development.  

scholarly journals Food for thought

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1130-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boban Melović ◽  
Marina Dabić ◽  
Sunčica Rogić ◽  
Vladimir Đurišić ◽  
Vesna Prorok
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Young Consumers

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the factors that influence the perceptions and attitudes of young people in Montenegro toward organic products.Design/methodology/approachThe results of the research, obtained using the multivariate factor analysis, showed that the vast majority of young consumers identify organic food as healthy and natural and that its higher price is a significant barrier inhibiting their likelihood of purchasing it, along with inaccessibility and the limited options offered.FindingsThe data obtained provides valuable information for managers and decision-makers working in organic food production and sales in Montenegro – a country with the potential to develop in this field.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out in the CEE transition country of Montenegro, with 300 young consumers. Further research is needed to validate the results through longitudinal study.Practical implicationsThe data obtained represents a meaningful contribution to the field of organic food production and sale in Montenegro (which is a country with a lot of potential in this area) and will assist managers and decision-makers in the field.Social implicationUnlike most research that has previously examined issues concerning organic production – such as its standardization, financing, environmental impact, and even its promotion – this paper provides a better understanding of the behavior of young consumers toward organic products in Montenegro by outlining their perceptions and attitudes toward this product category.Originality/valueThis research represents the first academic study of customers' attitudes and perceptions in this area, alongside the main factors affecting the young consumer's choice to purchase organic food in Montenegro.

scholarly journals Factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents: a focus group study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vandendriessche ◽  
B Deforche ◽  
M Verloigne
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Behavior Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Abstract Background Adolescents' sleep behavior has deteriorated over the last decades. However, little research has been conducted into possible psychosocial factors related to this behavior, which is an important prerequisite to develop effective sleep behavior interventions. In addition, previous research showed that actively involving adolescents in the development of interventions increases the chance of effectivity and sustainability. This study examined psychosocial factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents and investigated adolescents' willingness to participate in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. Methods Nine focus group interviews were conducted with seventy-two students (63,9% girls, 14.8 (±1.0) years) using a standardized interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and thematic content analysis was performed using Nvivo 11. Results Adolescents had adequate knowledge of sleep hygiene and short-term consequences of sleep deficiency, but limited knowledge of sleep norms and long-term consequences. Positive attitudes towards sleep were outweighed by positive attitudes towards other behaviours such as screen time. Leisure activities, smartphones, television, schoolwork, early school time and worrying were mentioned as barriers for healthy sleep. Adolescents showed low self-efficacy towards changing their sleep behaviors and perceived a negative social norm towards sleep. Although some adolescents indicated parental rules to have a positive influence on their sleep, others indicated these sometimes provoked frustration. Finally, adolescents emphasized the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention at school, although adult guiding would be needed. Conclusions Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents could focus on psychosocial factors such as knowledge, attitudes, barriers, self-efficacy and social perceived norm and could involve adolescents in intervention development. Key messages Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents should in addition to knowledge, also focus on psychosocial factors such as attitudes, self-efficacy and perceived social norms. Adolescents emphasize the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. This approach could be worth trying in future research.

International trade of organic food: Evidence of US imports

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Oberholtzer ◽  
Carolyn Dimitri ◽  
Edward C. Jaenicke
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Short Supply ◽  
Heckman Model ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Food Sales ◽  
The Impact

AbstractOver the past decade, organic food sales and farmland have grown rapidly worldwide. As the US market for organic food has expanded, anecdotal evidence indicates that imports of organic food have increased. US organic handlers may be importing to meet consumer demand for out-of-season products, as well as products not grown domestically. Handlers may also be importing organic products that are in short supply or to reduce input costs. This paper provides the first examination of imports of organic products into the USA. Data from a national survey of certified organic handlers in 2007 are used to examine the extent, types and origins of imported organic commodities. A Heckman model is employed to investigate the factors that influence an organic handler's decision to import organic products, and the level at which organic handlers import a product. Summary results show that while many of the products being imported into the USA are those that cannot be produced domestically, such as coffee and tropical fruits, some oft-imported commodities are those that can be produced in the USA, such as soybeans, wheat, barley and berries. The summary results also show that organic handlers are procuring almost a half of their imported products from a few countries, including Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia. In the econometric analysis, we found those handlers prioritizing local suppliers negatively affected the facility's decision to import products. The use of a social label, such as Fair Trade, positively affected a handler's decision to import. The size of organic sales was important to both the decision to import and the share imported, with larger firms more likely to import and smaller firms less likely to import. However, once a smaller firm had decided to import, they imported a larger share. Finally, our analysis found that experiencing limited supplies or prioritizing price with suppliers did not influence a handler's decision to import products. Based on the findings, we suggest future research avenues, including studies that address consumer preferences and the impact of increased imports on domestic organic farms.

scholarly journals The appeal-to-nature fallacy: Homeopathy and biodynamic agriculture in official EU regulations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Miguel Mulet
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Sustainable Food Production ◽  
The World ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Biodynamic Agriculture

Although the consumption of organic food is increasing in Europe and other parts of the world, it is still a minor option. The total agriculture land used for organic production in Europe is less than 6% and less than 1% worldwide. Contrary to what most consumers think there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that organic food has better nutritional value or that its production is more sustainable. In addition, productivity is very low and concomitantly the price is higher. This report reviews the presence of pseudoscience and the exclusion of technology from the European organic regulations and proposes some improvements that would help to make organic food production a real alternative and attain its objectives of providing healthier and sustainable food production.

scholarly journals A Focus Group Study of Perceptions of Genetic Risk Disclosure in Members of the Public in Sweden: “I’ll Phone the Five Closest Ones, but What Happens to the Other Ten?”

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1191
Author(s):  
Carolina Hawranek ◽  
Senada Hajdarevic ◽  
Anna Rosén
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Risk Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Genetics ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Risk Disclosure ◽  
Focus Group Study

This study explores perceptions and preferences on receiving genetic risk information about hereditary cancer risk in members of the Swedish public. We conducted qualitative content analysis of five focus group discussions with participants (n = 18) aged between 24 and 71 years, recruited from various social contexts. Two prominent phenomena surfaced around the interplay between the three stakeholders involved in risk disclosure: the individual, healthcare, and the relative at risk. First, there is a genuine will to share risk information that can benefit others, even if this is difficult and causes discomfort. Second, when the duty to inform becomes overwhelming, compromises are made, such as limiting one’s own responsibility of disclosure or projecting the main responsibility onto another party. In conclusion, our results reveal a discrepancy between public expectations and the actual services offered by clinical genetics. These expectations paired with desire for a more personalized process and shared decision-making highlight a missing link in today’s risk communication and suggest a need for developed clinical routines with stronger healthcare–patient collaboration. Future research needs to investigate the views of genetic professionals on how to address these expectations to co-create a transparent risk disclosure process which can realize the full potential of personalized prevention.

scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

A Longitudinal Study of Factors Explaining Attitude of Organic Foods

10.31355/34 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 121-129
Author(s):  
Zul Ariff Abdul Latiff ◽  
Intan Zawani Othman ◽  
Nursalwani Muhamad
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Attitude ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Market Growth ◽  
The Government

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose................................................................................................................................................................................................. The objective of this study is, for a given set demographics, to investigate the effect of knowledge, awareness and perception of consumers on the attitude/preferences of consumers for organic product in Kelantan. Background................................................................................................................................................................................................. Organic foods are food products which are free from any chemicals and are safe to be consumed by consumers. The consumers are getting more health conscious and the awareness about the harmful effects of chemical is incrassating. However, the trend towards purchasing organic food is now growing among Malaysians. This leads to the decline of market growth and therefore there is a need to study consumer attitude towards organic food. Methodology................................................................................................................................................................................................. This study predicts consumer attitude based on their awareness, knowledge and perception. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire where 144 consumers where randomly selected in the supermarkets. The data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis and regression analysis to test the hypotheses. Contribution................................................................................................................................................................................................. This paper studies the effect of demographic factor, knowledge, perception, awareness on the attitude of consumers with respect to organic foods in Kelantan. This research demonstrates the critical role of knowledge and education in shaping the attitude towards organic food.This research is useful to fill the gaps in the Malaysian literature regarding the importance of the knowledge and its relationship with the attitude. Findings....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The findings suggested the significant and positive relationship between knowledge, education level, occupation sector and the respondents’ attitude towards organic food. Recommendations for Practitioners: The consumer knowledge about the benefits of organic foods in Malaysia should be promoted more through television and social media as this influences their attitude when purchasing organic foods at the market. The quantity and the availability of the organic foods should be based on the demand of the consumers. The government should promote the benefits of organic foods to consumers more often to change their perceptions about organic foods in Malaysia. Recommendation for Researchers............................................................................................................................................................... More studies can be done regarding the behavior and intention of consumers with respect to organic foods either in Kelantan or other states in Malaysia. Impact on Society.......................................................................................................................................................................................... The findings can help consumers in understanding the benefits and advantage of organic foods toward health. Hence, all parties, including the government, policy makers and manufacturers should encourage and grow consumer interest in organic food by making the food more accessible and available. Future Research.............................................................................................................................................................................................. This study focuses on Kelantan only and does not represent other states. Due to this, further research is required in order to generalize the findings of this study aimed at determining the effect of demographic factors on the behavior of consumers with respect to organic foods.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds and Carotenoids Content and Mycotoxins Occurrence in Grains of Seventeen Barley and Eight Oat Cultivars Grown under Organic Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 6369
Author(s):  
Renata Kazimierczak ◽  
Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽  
Danuta Leszczyńska ◽  
Anna Nowacka ◽  
Ewelina Hallmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Important Research ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Organic Management ◽  
Barley Cultivars ◽  
Oat Cultivars ◽  
Natural Means ◽  
Production Conditions

In recent decades, organic farming based on natural means and methods of production is gaining more and more popularity. It is due to the growing awareness of the society regarding the harmfulness of chemicals used in intensive agriculture, which influences the growing interest of both producers and consumers in organic food. Searching for plant cultivars performing best under organic management in terms of crop quality is one of the important research topics of the recent years. The aim of the present study was therefore to compare 8 oat and 17 barley cultivars grown in identical organic production conditions in terms of polyphenols and carotenoids contents and the mycotoxins contamination in grains. The analyses of bioactive compounds were performed using HPLC and the mycotoxins occurrence using LC-MS/MS methods. Among the barley cultivars studied, the grains of SU Lolek, Rubaszek and Podarek accumulated the highest content of polyphenols. Grain of Soldo cultivar was richest in carotenoids, but at the same time most of the mycotoxins identified within the study were found in the grains of this cultivar. In the case of oat, the highest content of polyphenols was found in the grain of Harnaś, Nawigator and Arden cultivars, while Pascal and Amant grain was richest in carotenoids. Among all the oat cultivars tested, only Amant grain was free from the studied mycotoxins. These findings are important for producers as well as consumers, who search for quality organic foods.

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